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KentStater
Your Community. Your Stories.

KentStater

John Hilber, Sports Editor

John is a junior majoring in journalism with a minor in psychology and The Kent Stater’s sports editor. He was previously a sports reporter.

Contact him at [email protected].

All content by John Hilber
Kent men's basketball head coach Rob Senderoff watches the game against OU from the bench, Friday, Feb. 14, 2025.

‘I don’t think I ever wanted to leave’: Men’s basketball coach explains his decision to sign six-year extension

John Hilber, Sports Editor
March 31, 2025
Kent men's basketball head coach Rob Senderoff watches the game against OU from the bench, Friday, Feb. 14, 2025.

Rob Senderoff re-signs with Kent State for men’s basketball, putting departure rumors to bed

John Hilber, Sports Edtior
March 28, 2025
Edinboro's Jack Kilner tries to pull out Blake Schaffer's leg for a takedown during their Mid-American Conference quarterfinal match on March 8, 2024.

Wrestling had top-four finish in MAC Championships, finishes 11th

John Hilber, Sports Edtior
March 10, 2025
Kent senior Jalen Sullinger,13, holds the ball as he makes a call as Akron senior Shammah Scott defends him during the first half of their game on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025.

Regular season ends with comeback win for men’s basketball, MAC Tournament up next

John Hilber, Sports Editor
March 8, 2025
Kent sophomore Cian Medley, 11, tries to escape a block by Akron junior Tavari Johnson, 5, as he tries to get the ball during the first half of their game on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025.

Men’s basketball endures drawn-out duel, hits 20-win mark by one point margin

John Hilber, Sports Editor
March 5, 2025
Kent senior Cli'Ron Hornbeak, 42, and redshirt sophomore Jamal Sumlin, 4, ring the victory bell at the end of their win against Toledo, Tuesday Feb. 25, 2025.

Men’s basketball cracks 100-point mark, clinches spot in MAC Tournament as Rockets melt down

John Hilber, Sports Edtior
February 26, 2025
Kent sophomore Cian Medley, 11, talks to his teammates between plays during the game against OU, Friday, Feb. 14, 2025.

Men’s basketball hit with crushing blow in overtime loss to Miami

John Hilber, Sports Editor
February 22, 2025
Junior Blake Schaffer throws down Edinboro's Jack Kilner during their quarterfinal match at the Mid-American Conference Championship at Kent State on March 8, 2024.

Wrestling posts program-worst regular season record after 13th straight loss

John Hilber, Sports Editor
February 21, 2025
Kent men's basketball head coach Rob Senderoff watches the game against OU from the bench, Friday, Feb. 14, 2025.

February continues to be good month for men’s basketball, winning streak at five games after BGSU

John Hilber, Sports Editor
February 19, 2025
Wrestling head coach Jim Andrassy speaks with the referee during the wrestling meet on Feb. 22, 2024.

Wrestling unable to score a point on the road, drops 12th straight match

John Hilber, Sports Editor
February 14, 2025
Kent senior Jalen Sullinger, 13, dribbles the ball down the court as Arkansas redshirt sophomore Terrance Ford Jr. tries to block him in the second half of their game on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025.

Men’s basketball keeps streak going with efficient win over Central Michigan

John Hilber, Sports Editor
February 12, 2025
Edinboro's Jack Kilner tries to pull out Blake Schaffer's leg for a takedown during their Mid-American Conference quarterfinal match on March 8, 2024.

Season continues to trend downward as wrestling gets beat on the road

John Hilber, Sports Editor
February 9, 2025
Adan Benavidez makes his move towards George Mason's JB Dragovich during their second round consolation match at the Mid-American Conference Championships at Kent State on March 8, 2024.

Wrestling’s 10-game slide fueled by 0-3 weekend slate

John Hilber, Sports Editor
January 27, 2025
Senior Alyssa Guns performs her routine on the floor set. Mar. 3, 2024

Alvine pushes gymnastics to stay undefeated with big win against Big 12 team

John Hilber, Sports Editor
January 18, 2025
Kent State Men's basketball team heads towards the free throw line after being fouled during the second half in the game against Niagara University on Nov. 21, 2024.

How did Kent State sports do over winter break?

John Hilber, Sports Editor
January 13, 2025
Here’s who the Kent State athletics teams have signed this year

Here’s who the Kent State athletics teams have signed this year

John Hilber, John Engoglia, and Demetri Manousos
December 4, 2024
Kenni Burns, Kent State’s 23rd football coach in program history, gives his opening remarks at his first Kent State press conference Dec. 16, 2022.

Kenni Burns, Kent State’s football coach, owes $24K to Kent bank in credit card debt lawsuit

John Hilber, Sports Editor
November 21, 2024
The Kent State Field Hockey team celebrate their goal in the first quarter against the Liberty Flames, Sept. 1, 2024.

Field hockey erased from MAC playoffs after comeback ends uncompleted

John Hilber, Sports Editor
November 7, 2024
Freshman forward Delfina Larripa (28) chases the action down the pitch at the field hockey game against Penn State Sept. 13, 2024.

Keep it moving: Field hockey advances to MAC semifinals after overtime thriller

John Hilber, Sports Editor
November 6, 2024
Edinboro's Jack Kilner tries to pull out Blake Schaffer's leg for a takedown during their Mid-American Conference quarterfinal match on March 8, 2024.

Wrestling hit hard in double-digit losses to open season

John Hilber, Sports Editor
November 5, 2024
Kent State then sophomore Quarterback Tommy Ulatowski celebrates with then senior Wide Receiver Luke Floriea (0) after they connected for a 19 yard touchdown pass in the second quarter of the Wagon Wheel game at Akron's Infocision Stadium on Nov. 1, 2023.

Two out with injury: An update on Kent State’s quarterbacks

John Hilber, Sports Editor
September 25, 2024
Kent State's soccer team faces Northern Illinois on Oct. 15, 2023.

Down the hatch: Soccer takes 20 shots in first loss of season

John Hilber, Sports Editor
September 9, 2024
Kent State football team celebrates another first down against Central Connecticut during its home opener Sept. 16, 2023.

Football runs out of gas in ‘Pitt’ stop to start new season

John Hilber, Sports Editor
September 1, 2024
The Kent State football team celebrates a touchdown during the game against Bowling Green State Nov. 8, 2023.

New season, same results: Football loses first game of season by 31 points

John Hilber, Sports Editor
August 31, 2024
The Kent State football team celebrates during the first quarter of the homecoming game against Buffalo Oct. 21, 2023.

Preview: Football will need to fill in roster gaps ahead of fresh season

John Hilber and Demetri Manousos
August 30, 2024
Kent State then-freshman quarterback Devin Kargman throws the ball as the Akron defense closes in at Dix Stadium Oct. 22.

Passing the torch: Football announces new play caller ahead of season

John Hilber, Sports Editor
August 20, 2024
The Kent State Baseball team congratulates senior Michael McNamara in the dugout after making a run during the game against Bowling Green on April 28, 2024.

Baseball’s ex-professional pitching coach produces team success, major league talent

John Hilber, Assistant Sports Editor
May 4, 2024
Jake Casey tosses his bat towards the Kent State dugout after being hit by a pitch in the second inning of the Golden Flashes' 27-0 blowout of Youngstown State March 12, 2024.

Wolverines claw back to walk off baseball in extras

John Hilber, Assistant Sports Editor
May 2, 2024
Hackathon event poster.

Neurodiverse students gain awareness, recognition in game-making event

John Hilber, Assistant Sports Editor
April 30, 2024
The baseball team celebrates after a victory over Bowling Green on April 28, 2024. The Golden Flashes won with a final score of 12-2.

Baseball walks off, run-rules MAC leader in back-and-forth series win

John Hilber, Assistant Sports Editor
April 29, 2024
Collin Mathews hitting the first home run of the game on March 7, 2023.

Baseball splits midweek games after disappointing upset

John Hilber, Assistant Sports Editor
April 25, 2024
Jake Casey tosses his bat towards the Kent State dugout after being hit by a pitch in the second inning of the Golden Flashes' 27-0 blowout of Youngstown State March 12, 2024.

Party like it’s 2,000: Baseball comes from behind to earn achievement-setting win in extra innings

John Hilber, Assistant Sports Editor
April 22, 2024
Catcher Brody Williams makes solid contact but grounds out to Youngstown State Third Baseman Matt Thompson in the second inning of the Golden Flashes' 27-0 blowout of Youngstown State on March 12, 2024.

Baseball tames Nittany Lions in ‘Big 10’ to 3 victory

John Hilber, Assistant Sports Editor
April 18, 2024
With Jake Casey sitting at third, Kent State's Brody Williams swings under St. Joseph's Ryan DeSanto's pitch during their game March 24, 2024. Williams went 0-1 with two walks in three plate appearances against the Hawks.

Baseball destroys program record in series loss to Toledo

John Hilber, Assistant Sports Editor
April 15, 2024
Junior Left Fielder Jake Casey and Kolton Schaller high five right after both score on a Reese double during the Golden Flashes' 27-0 blowout of Youngstown State on March 12, 2024.

‘Fly the flag’: Baseball gets revenge with key grand slam

John Hilber, Assistant Sports Editor
April 10, 2024
Head Coach Jeff Duncan addresses the Kent baseball team after winning against East Michigan on April 7, 2024.

Offense explodes, comeback falls short for baseball in series win

John Hilber, Assistant Sports Editor
April 9, 2024
Junior Left Fielder Jake Casey and Kolton Schaller high five right after both score on a Reese double during the Golden Flashes' 27-0 blowout of Youngstown State on March 12, 2024.

RECAP: Baseball loses home winning streak, walks off Hawks

John Hilber, Assistant Sports Editor
April 2, 2024
Junior Left Fielder Jake Casey and Kolton Schaller high five right after both score on a Reese double during the Golden Flashes' 27-0 blowout of Youngstown State on March 12, 2024.

Baseball struggles in Steel City scramble

John Hilber, Assistant Sports Editor
March 20, 2024
Redshirt Sophomore Starting Pitcher Rocco Bernadina lets loose a breaking ball during the Golden Flashes' 27-0 blowout of Youngstown State on March 12, 2024.

Baseball drops heartbreakers, salvages last game against Bobcats

John Hilber, Assistant Sports Editor
March 19, 2024
The Brain Health and Research Institute.

Biology department’s new findings link spinal cord injuries to reproductive system dysfunction

John Hilber, Assistant Sports Editor
March 14, 2024
Coach Jeff Duncan (left) confers with Kolton Schaller following Schaller's double in the second inning of the Golden Flashes' 27-0 blowout of Youngstown State on March 12, 2024.

Hot Flashes: Baseball scores most runs since 2012, caps off 5-game homestand sweep

John Hilber, Assistant Sports Editor
March 13, 2024
Third baseman Kyle Jackson starting off for the Kent State Golden Flashes into the game against Youngstown State University March 7, 2023.

Bring out the brooms: Baseball opens up MAC play with series sweep

John Hilber, Assistant Sports Editor
March 11, 2024

Men’s track and field capture second title, women’s with best finish in 10 years at MAC Indoor Championship

Jacob Shondel and John Hilber
March 8, 2024
Outfielder Josh Johnson, a then-senior, swings at the ball during a game against Akron on April 15, 2023.

Clear the bases: Baseball slays Dragons in home opener

John Hilber, Assistant Sports Editor
March 7, 2024
Head coach Kenni Burns leads the team to the tunnel before the Northern Illinois game on Nov. 25, 2023.

Football to face multiple high-profile opponents in 2024-25 season

John Hilber, Assistant Sports Editor
March 5, 2024
Freshman Kolton Schaller is congratulated by coach Jeff Duncan as he passes third base April 30, 2023.

Baseball gets back on track with first series win of season

John Hilber, Assistant Sports Editor
March 4, 2024

Men’s golf uses individual title to bounce back with top-3 finish

John Hilber, Assistant Sports Editor
February 29, 2024
New Kent State football coach Kenni Burns (center) poses with university athletic director Randale Richmond (left) and university president Todd Diacon (right) at Burns’ first press conference Dec. 16, 2022. Courtesy of Kent State Athletics

Kent GRIT era rolls on for extra year after coach signs extension

John Hilber, Assistant Sports Editor
February 27, 2024

Weather derails women’s golf, leads to season-low ranking

John Hilber, Assistant Sports Editor
February 21, 2024
Kent Hall is located on Front Campus.

Visiting professor to discuss climate change psychology research in February Colloquium

John Hilber, Assistant Sports Editor
February 21, 2024
The Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute.

Researchers discover process to domesticate small-scaled organisms

John Hilber, Assistant Sports Editor
February 16, 2024

Poor first round dooms men’s golf in first spring season tournament

John Hilber, Assistant Sports Editor
February 15, 2024
Freshman Kolton Schaller is congratulated by coach Jeff Duncan as he passes third base April 30, 2023.

New lineup, same goals: Baseball wants it all this season

John Hilber, Assistant Sports Editor
February 15, 2024

Freshman leads women’s golf with impressive final round in first spring event

John Hilber, Assistant Sports Editor
February 7, 2024
Kent State students and staff, finishing a safari in Akagera National Park.

‘Sharing the influence of sports on society’: Athletes, staff give back in Rwanda

John Hilber, Assistant Sports Editor
January 23, 2024
The Kent State football team celebrates a touchdown during the game against Bowling Green State Nov. 8, 2023.

There’s always next year: Football looks forward to upcoming ‘youth movement’ as season ends

John Hilber, Reporter
December 12, 2023
Kent State junior quarterback Devin Kargman attempts a pass under pressure from Northern Illinois defensive end Ray Thomas during the Nov. 25, 2023 game.

Going out with a whimper: Football season ends in familiar fashion

John Hilber, Reporter
November 26, 2023
The Kent State football team celebrates during the first quarter of the homecoming game against Buffalo Oct. 21, 2023.

One more time: Football aims to double season win total in final game

John Hilber, Reporter
November 22, 2023
Kent State rush ends coach CJ Robbins speaks with the football team during the homecoming game on Oct. 21, 2023.

‘Our worst game of the year’: Football’s offense goes silent in Ball State beating

John Hilber, Reporter
November 19, 2023
Kent State’s football faces the the University of Buffalo on Oct. 21, 2023.

Football routed by Ball State for 10th loss of the season

John Hilber, Reporter
November 18, 2023
Kent State sophomore Stephen Daley celebrates with fellow teammates after a play during the game against Buffalo on Oct. 21, 2023.

Preview: Football looks to avoid double-digit losses on the road

John Hilber, Reporter
November 16, 2023
Kent State sophomore tight end Justin Holmes runs the ball down the field during the game against Bowling Green State University on Nov. 8, 2023.

Reaction to MACtion: Football embarrassed at home for seventh straight loss

John Hilber, Reporter
November 9, 2023
Kent State graduate student wide receiver Jack Coulson gains some yardage against Bowling Green State University during the game on Nov. 8, 2023.

Football drops ninth game of season in disappointing fashion

John Hilber, Reporter
November 9, 2023
The Kent State football team celebrates during the first quarter of the homecoming game against Buffalo Oct. 21, 2023.

PREVIEW: Football attempts to salvage games of season in Midweek MACtion

John Hilber, Reporter
November 6, 2023
Kent State plays Malone in the first home game of the 2023 basketball season on Nov. 6, 2023.

[Photo] Strong second half propels men’s basketball to victory

November 7, 2023
Kent State then sophomore Quarterback Tommy Ulatowski celebrates with then senior Wide Receiver Luke Floriea (0) after they connected for a 19 yard touchdown pass in the second quarter of the Wagon Wheel game at Akron's Infocision Stadium on Nov. 1, 2023.

Football walks away without Wagon Wheel after devastating loss

John Hilber, Reporter
November 2, 2023

Akron shocks Kent State football with late comeback

John Hilber, Reporter
November 1, 2023
Kent State sophomore Stephen Daley celebrates with fellow teammates after a play during the game against Buffalo on Oct. 21, 2023.

Preview: Football looks to bounce back, keeping Wagon Wheel in battle against Akron

John Hilber, Reporter
October 30, 2023
Kent State rush ends coach CJ Robbins speaks with the football team during the homecoming game on Oct. 21, 2023.

OPINION: Football’s nationally-worst ranking is not the end of the world

John Hilber, Reporter
October 27, 2023
Senior linebacker Khali Saunders (45), graduate student safety Bryce Sheppert and sophomore defensive lineman Oliver Billotte celebrate around fellow senior linebacker C.J. Harris (37) after a Harris tackle-for-loss in the first quarter of the Kent State vs. Buffalo football game on Oct. 21, 2023.

Burnin’ down: Football drops out of bowl contention with fifth-straight loss

John Hilber, Reporter
October 22, 2023
Kent State runs the ball downfield against the University of Buffalo on Oct. 21, 2023.

Football’s losing streak extends to five games

John Hilber, Reporter
October 21, 2023
Flash takes a trip to the Kent State student section at their first football game against Central Connecticut State on Sept. 16, 2023.

Preview: Football eyes first conference win against Buffalo

John Hilber, Reporter
October 19, 2023
Chrishon McCray breaks away from Miami University defensive players as he runs the ball down the field Sept. 30, 2023.

Football looks to avoid four-game slide against Eastern Michigan

John Hilber, Reporter
October 12, 2023
Redshirt junior Michael Alaimo, Kent State's quarterback, protects the ball from the Miami University defense on Sept. 30, 2023.

Reaction to MACtion: Bobcats pounce on Flashes in blowout loss

John Hilber, Reporter
October 7, 2023

Football loses third consecutive game to OU

John Hilber, Reporter
October 7, 2023
Quarterback Redshirt Junior, Michael Alaimo, runs the ball against the Miami University defense on Sept. 30, 2023.

Football looks to get back on track away from home

John Hilber, Reporter
October 5, 2023
Graduate student Bryce Sheppert celebrates with the team after a good play against Miami University on Sept. 30, 2023.

Reaction to MACtion: Flashes stumble in conference opener

John Hilber, Reporter
October 1, 2023

Football drops first MAC matchup of season

John Hilber, Hilber
September 30, 2023
A Kent State student cheers at the kickoff of the Golden Flashes football team against Central Connecticut State on Sept. 16, 2023.

Preview: Football welcomes RedHawks for first in-conference competition

John Hilber, Reporter
September 28, 2023
Kent State football team celebrates another first down against Central Connecticut during its home opener Sept. 16, 2023.

Football can’t stop Bulldog attack in Fresno

John Hilber, Reporter
September 24, 2023
Kent State student Section on Sept. 16, 2023 at the game Central Connecticut State.

Preview: Flashes go west for late-night matchup

John Hilber, Reporter
September 21, 2023
Kent State offensive line trying to get a first down in their home opener against Central Connecticut on Sept. 16, 2023.

‘It’s a special moment’: Burns collects first win in home debut

John Hilber, Reporter
September 16, 2023

Football dominates in first win of season

John Hilber, Reporter
September 16, 2023
A sunset rainbow paints the sky during the Kent State Homecoming Football game Oct. 1, 2022.

Flashes v. Central Connecticut preview: Football prepares for home opener

John Hilber, Reporter
September 14, 2023
Kent State's football team, along with the women's lacrosse and soccer programs, competes at Dix Stadium. The stadium is located at 2213 Summit St. in Kent.

‘We have to learn’: Poor second half dismantles football against Arkansas

John Hilber, Reporter
September 10, 2023

Football falls to 0-2 after loss to Arkansas

John Hilber, Reporter
September 9, 2023

Football looks to bounce back against Arkansas

John Hilber, Reporter
September 5, 2023

Kent State responds to ‘unintended’ UCF social media post

John Hilber, Reporter
September 3, 2023

‘We’re a better football team’: Knights slay Flashes in big way in opening week

John Hilber, Reporter
September 1, 2023

Football falls to UCF in first game of season

John Hilber, Reporter
August 31, 2023
Freshman Kolton Schaller is congratulated by coach Jeff Duncan as he passes third base April 30, 2023.

Baseball’s Jeff Duncan earns extension after posting program-high 24 MAC wins

John Hilber, Reporter
August 30, 2023
The Kent State football team celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the homecoming game on Oct. 1, 2022.

Football goes south for first game of the season

John Hilber, Reporter
August 29, 2023
Kent State's football team, along with the women's lacrosse and soccer programs, competes at Dix Stadium. The stadium is located at 2213 Summit St. in Kent.

New football coach Burns names Purdue transfer as starting quarterback

John Hilber, Reporter
August 24, 2023
New Kent State football coach Kenni Burns (center) poses with university athletic director Randale Richmond (left) and university president Todd Diacon (right) at Burns’ first press conference Dec. 16, 2022. Courtesy of Kent State Athletics

‘We are going to win MAC championships’: New football coach comes in with big plans

John Hilber, Reporter
August 14, 2023
Kent State freshman Corynne Hauser weaves around Hiram players as she works her way to the net during the game Dec. 11, 2022.

MAC All-Freshman player leads way for women’s basketball

John Hilber, Reporter
May 3, 2023

Kent State raises record amount in Athletics Scholarship Auction

John Hilber, Reporter
May 3, 2023

Men’s golf finishes regular season with tied for best finish

John Hilber, Reporter
April 24, 2023
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